Library for Arts & Culture

BPL’s Library for Arts & Culture is an art-centric library, boutique reading room and event space in the heart of Brooklyn’s downtown cultural district. 

This neighborhood branch is located on the second floor of the L10 Arts and Cultural Center, an innovative public art center that houses three other Brooklyn-based institutions in addition to the Library: Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM), the Museum of Contemporary African Diasporan Arts (MoCADA), and 651 ARTS. 

The Library for Arts & Culture features a variety of live programming and a special collection of international works including music, plays, philosophy, graphic novels, magazines and more. Plus, the branch offers the traditional library services Brooklynites rely on—books for browsing, laptops and free WiFi. 

What you'll find at the Library for Arts & Culture: 

• A quiet reading room during daytime hours. While there are a limited number of laptops available for use, there are no printers, copy machines or desktop computers at this branch, meaning patrons have a peaceful environment to focus on their reading or work.
   
• An intimate event space during after-hours programming. BPL Presents, BPL's cultural programming division, hosts evening events including readings, performances, and conversations with artists and writers.
   
• A specialized, adult-focused collection. Highlighting global arts and culture from the 20th century through today, many of the works on our shelves can only be found at our location or a select few BPL branches. 
   
• A "Lucky Day" collection. Many of our materials circulate, although we have a handful of reference materials that can only be viewed on site. If an item isn't already checked out by another patron, you will always find it on our shelves.

Housing & Art Studios Resource Guide

NYC has long been a place where artists come to not only dream, but to live and hopefully thrive. Learn more in our guide about some of the current opportunities and resources available to NYC Artists to help them make space to create.

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Job & Career Help in the Arts Resource Guide

New York State is home to nearly a quarter of a million professional artists and workers in entertainment or media. The majority of those workers are based in New York City. Access career tips and resources specifically for artists, on how to improve your resume and portfolio, market yourself, network, and apply for grants.

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Additional Patron Resources

• Social Work & Wellness in the Arts Resource Guide
• Heritage Ambassadors: BPL's Folk Arts Program
• Online Resources & Research Databases